Last week I started a series of things to do in Cartagena. If you missed Part 1 click here and for and Part 2 click here. I wanted to do a summary of the top tourist activities and in a simple way to make sure that you can do it all in a few days. When I tell people to visit Cartagena is because I think it is unique. Old San Juan in Puerto Rico has the same architecture, but it is not as big and well preserved as Cartagena. My favorite place in Cartagena is the old City and my least favorite part is the beach.
In the old town, do not miss snapping a picture of the Clock Tower Building. Also visit the Palacio de la Inquisición (Palace of Inquisition), they still have the original torture instruments. Ask to hire a tourist guide in English, I think they have some available. The stories about the witches burned alive and the cruelty of the tribunal are worth listening. The prettiest churches are the Iglesia de San Pedro Claver, La Catedral, and the Iglesia de Santo Domingo. If you visit the San Pedro Claver also visit the museum and the monastery. The old town is best explored walking. Many of the colonial houses have been restored into boutique hotels, shops, and restaurants. Don't walk outside the walls at night, it gets lonely and it is better to be safe. A carriage is a popular and romantic way to get to see the old town. Ask in your hotel how much they cost and negotiate the price before getting in one. Please don't hire one where the horse is skinny or looks abused.
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| Photo Credit: Wikipedia |
The best way to see the rest of the City is with a tour. They take you everywhere and the 2 main sites, San Felipe fort and La popa hill, are not so close from the Center. The best way to find a tour in English would be asking the hotel for a recommended travel agency. The last time I was there I walked into the travel agency around the corner from my hotel there are many travel agencies around. You usually have to meet at a pick up point in the morning. Make sure that the tour includes the fort and the hill. The entrance fees are not high and they are definitely worth a visit. The tour usually stops at Las Bovedas. Las bovedas were used as a prison but now they have shops with crafts. I remember buying lots of typical sweets as a kid. I particularly liked cocadas - sweet coconut balls.
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| Photo credit: Wikipedia |
Most places in Bocagrande are also within walking distance. There are many hotels, restaurants, and shops located on Avenida San Martin. A taxi to the old City doesn't take long and it should not cost a fortune. Taxis are easy to find, although in the old town you may have to walk closer to the walls depending on the narrow streets. Taxis in Cartagena do not have a meter, you will have to negotiate the fare before getting in the taxi. I can't tell you what the rate should be because it has been a long time, 7 years ago I used to pay $5,000 pesos between bocagrande and the walled city. You have to pay with cash. Most places accept credit cards but always keep some cash. Just enough to buy water, and small things. I never carry more than $100,000 pesos with me. I try to pay most things with credit card. The best way to get Colombian pesos is to use the ATM machines. The exchange houses buy your dollars/euros for a lot less than the official rate from the bank.
A good day trip is to take a boat to Las Islas del Rosario. The best beaches are Playa Blanca and Baru. When booking this tour you will be offered other options like visiting the aquarium and cocoliso "resort". I have been to both and it is not as great as they tell you. Usually the trip will include a typical lunch and transportation. Make sure that they are round trip tickets. The beaches are crowded and there are a lot of vendors trying get your attention offering coconut oil, oysters, massages, or braids. They will always try to give you a "free sample", don't accept it because it will be harder to stop them from the non-free samples. I always like buying coco-loco at the beach. An open coconut with rum and other liquors. If you like beer, order Aguila or Aguila light.
At night, taking a Chiva Rumbera is a must do activity in Cartagena. The same open buses are used for the day City tour. At night they include a bottle of aguardiente and a band playing in the back.
I found a few links that can be usefull for the trip:
Walking map: http://www.cartagenainfo.net/mapas/caminando/flash/english.htm
Lonely Planet: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/colombia/caribbean-coast/cartagena
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